Here are the latest news in public health today, Tuesday, April 30, 2013.

Chicago Tribute —Task force calls for routine HIV testing for all adults
An influential U.S. panel is calling for HIV screening for all Americans aged 15 to 65, regardless of whether they are considered to be at high risk, a change that may help lift some of the stigma associated with HIV testing.

Kaiser Health News — California moves to protect smokers from higher Obamacare insurance costs
Smoking has its risks – but in California, higher prices for health insurance probably won’t be one of them. The federal health law allows states to charge smokers up to 50 percent more for a health plan – but legislation is moving forward in the California legislature that will make sure that doesn’t happen.

New York Times — Are doctors nicer to thinner patients?
A provocative new study suggests that they are — that thin patients are treated with more warmth and empathy than those who are overweight or obese.

Washington Post — EPA speaks on how much radiation is too much
Imagine that the Boston bombers didn’t pack nails into pressure cookers but instead packed highly radioactive material. How would the government be responding? Part of the answer might lie in a document the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued this month, suggesting guidelines on how state and local officials should deal with potentially toxic nuclear contamination from disasters such as dirty bombs, power plant failures and atomic bomb detonations.

Health observances

It’s National Healthy Schools Day — APHA is a sponsor for the 11th annual movement to improve indoor air quality in schools. More than 50 activities are scheduled around the country to help children miss fewer schools days and achieve their full potential.

Today wraps up Alcohol Awareness Month — sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc., the observance aims to promote alcohol abuse prevention by encouraging communities, families and individuals to get involved.